PBA: Jayson Castro out for season after knee injury in TNT win

TNT Tropang Giga guard Jayson Castro on the floor. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Jayson Castro has been ruled out for the rest of the PBA season after suffering a knee injury in TNT’s win over Rain or Shine in Game 2 of their Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series.

Team manager Jojo Lastimosa confirmed Saturday that Castro was diagnosed with a full thickness patellar tendon tear on his right knee after going down during the fourth quarter of the Tropang Giga’s 93-91 win over the Elasto Painters at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

READ: PBA: Chot Reyes hopes for the best for Jayson Castro after injury

Castro had to be taken to the ambulance on a stretcher, something that has not occurred for much of his decorated career despite dealing with injuries over the last few seasons.

Despite that, Castro has been able to play at a high level as seen in TNT’s run to the Governors’ Cup title when he was named Finals Most Valuable Player.

TNT guard Jayson Castro. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

But with Castro out for a long period—including the season-ending Philippine Cup which starts next month—TNT will have to dig deep in its quest to wrest another championship.

READ: NBA: Jayson Castro shows veteran wits amid RHJ struggles in Game 1

The Tropang Giga are expected to lean heavily on Rey Nambatac to double the leg work at the point guard spot in Castro’s absence.

TNT is up 2-0 in the best-of-seven series after surviving a last-ditch rally by Rain or Shine despite missing Castro and import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who fouled out midway in the fourth quarter.

Game 3 is set Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Castro had 13 points, five rebounds and five assists before his injury while also coming off a 24-point on top of three assists and four steals in Game 1 which saw TNT prevail 88-84.